In late 1916 Charles Witbeck rejected Henry Greene’s initial
design for a two-story house as too expensive. By January 1917,
however, a modified version was presented and accepted, one
that showed more modest detailing and less variation in the
overall massing. The Witbeck house faces north along Santa Monica's
Palisades Avenue, and a deep rear garden enjoys the sea breezes
and sunny exposure on the south. By 1917, a budget of $9,000
could not pay for an elaborate house, but the high-ceilinged
stair hall lighted by a large, north-facing window created a
dignified and dramatic entry. The exterior is distinguished
by robust timbers at the portico and porches, and the characteristically
close attention to detail in the hand-hewn wood joinery.